How to Deal with Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya in Puerto Vallarta

We’ve been hearing a lot lately about mosquito related diseases, especially Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya, all of which are transmitted by mosquito bite. Of concern has been the area in Puerto Vallarta, because of the operation the Jalisco Health Secretariat launched in order to reduce the population density of the aedes aegypti mosquito, which is the mosquito responsible for transmitting these diseases. But do we really know what these diseases are, what they cause, and what to do about them?

Dengue

Dengue is transmitted by the bite of the aedes aegypti mosquito, and the symptoms appear between 3 to 14 days after you’ve been bit. Fortunately, this disease cannot be transmitted from person to person. However, the symptoms caused by it range from mild fever to incapacitating high fever, joint pain, severe headaches, and rashes. There are no existing vaccines or medicines to treat it, but the recommendations include drinking plenty of fluids, using paracetamol to reduce the high fevers and visiting the doctor. There is a severe version of dengue commonly known as dengue hemorrhagic fever characterized by fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, bleeding, and even breathing difficulty. The hemorrhagic dengue fever affects mainly children and should be treated by trained physicians and nurses in order to increase survival of patients.

Zika

The Zika virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes species, which are aggressive daytime biters. However, these mosquitoes can also bite at night. Unlike Dengue, Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus, which can result in birth defects. Another way this disease can be passed on is through sexual transmission if the man is infected, blood transfusions, and laboratory exposure. Unfortunately, just like Dengue, there is no vaccine or medicine for this fever. Most people do not develop any symptoms, but a blood or urine test can confirm whether or not you have it.

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral disease that can cause fever and severe joint pain, as well as muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rashes. There is no cure as of yet, so the treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms of the patient. The virus can cause acute, sub-acute or chronic diseases, depending on how long the pain lasts. Most patients recover fully, but in some cases joint pain may persist for several months, or even years. There are different tests that can be used for diagnosis, among which you can find ELISA tests, and by PCR, both which are blood-based tests.

The Diseases in Puerto Vallarta

Unfortunately Puerto Vallarta does see several cases of dengue every year, making it the most common of all three. There hasn’t been a reported case of Zika or Chikunguya. The best way of avoiding any of the three is to take the necessary measures that will avoid any mosquito bite.

Finally…

As you can see, mosquito bites can lead to very painful diseases, such as the ones mentioned above, and there is no cure but time for this. However, this does not mean there is no way to prevent them.

* Use mosquito repellent (which you can apply not only to yourself, but also your clothing and shoes), and

* Avoid standing water, as that’s where the mosquitoes breed. In your house you can turn over empty buckets to avoid collecting excess water, and cover containers that contain water that cannot be emptied.

Testimonials

I never imagined that I could see my body this way. I went with the purpose to get breast augmentation and a tummy tuck; however, Dr. Leonardo oriented me on how to achieve what I really wanted to get. His professionalism and warmth surprised me. Even after the surgery he oriented and encouraged me to make changes in my diet and lifestyle that weren’t hard to include on my everyday life. I can say that this process with Dr. Leonardo Moreno was not only a change in my looks but was really a transformation.

Angelique Q. Plant

Consultant

I had the pleasure of being in Dr. Moreno Trevizo’s hands; He performed a rhinoplasty and I loved the result! I felt safe and under a very nice atmosphere. If there was anything else I would change in my body, I would choose him again.

Ellen N. Gowins

Consultant

A few months ago, Dr. Leonardo Moreno Trevizo performed on me the mini facelift “Ponytail”, which was something super simple, quick and painless. I had no bruising and recovered fast. I got the results was looking for, I’m super happy and would sure do it again after several years. Thank you Doctor!

Morissette H. Dubois

Consultant

Liposuction completely improved my appearance and my confidence, my skin wasn’t firm, was flaccid I was not an obese person but the result of this lipo is a countoured body. Three years ago I had gotten a liposuction, but my body had no shape. The results with the ultrasound were magnificent and especially the Dr Moreno’s work, he was a highly qualified person for this type of surgery. He perfectly explained all the steps of the surgery, the pros and cons and the risks. He was very attentive after the surgery, keeping an eye on me this is why I consider him to be very professional.

Eileen L. Ladson

Consultant

My experience with coach Manuel Murillo was certainly something that changed my life… the discipline, will and perseverance are important, but even with all this would not have been possible to achieve the results I got without his help and advice. I saw the transformation of my body month to month, and it was thanks to his wisdom to motivate me to make my dream come true … win the championship Miss Fitness 2003 BC I discovered a new a side of me that was not discovered until then, thanks Manuel.